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Belgium broke lose in the second half to defeat newcomer Panama 3-0 in its opening World Cup game in Sochi.

After struggling to find the net in the first half, the talented Belgian squad comfortably reached victory with a goal by Dries Mertens and two by Romelu Lukaku.

Mertens opened the scoring with a well-struck one-timer from just inside the area after the Panamanian defense failed to clear a ball two minutes after halftime. Lukaku doubled to the lead with a header in the 69th after a great play by Kevin De Bruyne, and closed the scoring after a breakaway six minutes later following a through ball by Eden Hazard. 

Michael Murillo had Panama's best chance of the game when he received a pass free from markers inside the area in the 54th, but the defender didn't control the ball cleanly and allowed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to make a save charging from the net.

The Panamanians are making their first World Cup appearance. Their fans largely outnumbered the Belgians at Fisht Stadium and constantly chanted in support of their team, even when trailing by three goals.